Antiscabious And Antipedicular Agents Introduction
Scabicides are compounds that are effective against Sarcoptes scabiei, which is an animal parasite that causes scabies in man. Antipedicular agents are compounds effective in the treatment in man caused by three species of suckling lice known as Pediculus humanus, variety capitis, corporis and phthirius pubis. Since many agents possess both antipedicular and antiscabious properties, the pediculocides and scabicides are listed together.
Table of Contents
Drugs used as Pediculoside and Scabicides
Benzyl benzoate (Dermin lotion)
It is one of the active constituents of Peruvian balsam. It is also present in small quantities in other natural balsamic substances.
Synthesis
ADR: Irritant to eyes and mucous membranes.
Use: Applied externally in a concentration of 10 to 30% as a scabicide and is also useful in the treatment of pediculosis. It is usually employed as Benzyl benzoate lotion.
Gammexane (Scaboma lotion)
Synthesis
ADR: Cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia and dizziness.
Use: It is used as an ectoparasiticide and ovicide. It is an alternative drug for the treatment of Pediculosis capitis (head lice). As a scabicide, it is employed in 1% concentration in a vanishing cream or lotion.
Chlorophenothane (DDT)
Synthesis
ADR: In higher dose causes generalized tremors, muscle cramps and cancer.
Use: It is effective against head lice, body lice and crab lice. It is banned due to its carcinogenicity in certain countries.
Crotamiton (Crotorax – HC)
Synthesis
ADR: Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Use: It is a scabicidal and anti-pruritic agent. Crotamiton
Permethrin (Permarid, Permiskin)
ADR: Mild and transient burning, stinging and pruritus.
Use: It exerts a lethal action against lice, ticks, mites and fleas. It is used as pediculicide for the treatment of head lice.
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